My Sub-$700 Digital System

[TedNeu]

So, over the last few years I have acquired a number of modest priced items and here they are:

Energy RC-10 Bookshelf Speakers ($400)

Orb Mini-T Amp ($100 and smaller than dozen CDs stacked)

Monoprice 12 gauge wire (call it $10)

Monster Cable Banana and Pin Connectors (call it $15)

Audioengine DAC - D1 ($170)

It's amazing to me how good this sounds now that I have it hooked up to my 8 year old Toshiba laptop. I either insert and play CDs, play CDs that I have ripped, or stream Slacker Radio.

Big broad sound. Very clear and I can really crank it. I don't know how that Orb produces such great quality sound and only 20 watts! My only complaint is that the speaker wire connectors are very unwieldy.

 

[KDAC]

So, over the last few years I have acquired a number of modest priced items and here they are:

Energy RC-10 Bookshelf Speakers ($400)

Orb Mini-T Amp ($100 and smaller than dozen CDs stacked)

Monoprice 12 gauge wire (call it $10)

Monster Cable Banana and Pin Connectors (call it $15)

Audioengine DAC - D1 ($170)

It's amazing to me how good this sounds now that I have it hooked up to my 8 year old Toshiba laptop. I either insert and play CDs, play CDs that I have ripped, or stream Slacker Radio.

Big broad sound. Very clear and I can really crank it. I don't know how that Orb produces such great quality sound and only 20 watts! My only complaint is that the speaker wire connectors are very unwieldy.

TedNeu, I've been using a Windows "box" as my primary source since 2001 and love discovering other members who use a PC/laptop as their source. You mentioned that you play prerecorded and/or ripped CDs. Out of sheer curiosity, what software player are you using?

 

[TedNeu]

Mr. KDAC:

I use the Windows Media Player, which I prefer, most likely because I am used to it, and the new Groove, which MS seems to make me want to use.

Is there a difference in sound quality?

BTW, I noticed that my Slacker Radio has a slight sound like pfttt...sounds like a turntable needle running out on the center of the disk...every ten seconds or so. Just switch to George Winston on YouTube and the sound is not there, so it is certainly Slacker Radio.

 

[KDAC]

Mr. KDAC:

I use the Windows Media Player, which I prefer, most likely because I am used to it, and the new Groove, which MS seems to make me want to use.

Is there a difference in sound quality?

None that I'm truly aware of. I've used Winamp 2.95 since the year I mentioned in my initial reply due to the ridiculous amount of plug-ins and skins. I also use Windows Media Player from time to time, as its EQ produces deep, non-distorted bass during playback on my setup. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!